The Oscar 10

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced it plans to name 10 Best Picture nominees next year instead of the usual five.

Which means Up has an good chance at making it into the list and not just contend in the Best Animated Feature Film race.

“After more than six decades,” said AMPAS president Sid Ganis, “the Academy is returning to some of its earlier roots, when a wider field [used to compete] for the top award of the year.”

In the 1930s and ’40s, the Academy recognized eight-12 Best Picture nominees each year.

“The final outcome, of course, will be the same – one Best Picture winner – but the race to the finish line will feature 10, not just five, great movies from 2009,” Ganis added.

Like I said, with Up Disney and Pixar will stand a better chance at taking home the night’s biggest Oscar next year, something a lot of us thought they should’ve last year with WALL-E. Not to mention, the ruling opens up a field of opportunity to deserving comedies, genre movies, and indies that otherwise would be overlooked.

Photo: Oscars.org.